2020 Husky FX350: Off Road Versatility!

The Husky/KTM 350's are still my favorite combination of power/weight/handling in a 4-stroke off road bike. The FX350 has a snappy and quick revving engine with decent low end and strong mid to top power. The 6-speed gearbox maximizes the broad power with a usable 1st gear for the tight stuff and a 6th gear for open spaces. The engine EFI base Map 1 is very smooth and I use it mostly in the woods turning traction control on when it is slippery. Engine Map 2 has a more aggressive response to throttle inputs mostly low to mid rpm and is fun on the MX track. While the engine runs smoothly overall a quick hand on the clutch is needed to prevent stalling going over trials like obstacles at slow speeds. The FX350 is light and feels light in motion. The lower inertia of the FX350 engine makes the bike feel much lighter than a 450 while riding. The 2020 FX350 stock suspension is a good compromise between light moto and higher speed off road. The 2020 FX350 AER forks are lightweight and offer quick adjustability but for me are a little harsh on the small choppy stuff. I've ridden a 20.5 KTM 450 Factory Edition and the updates to those AER forks are easily noticeable with much better initial compliance and plusher feel. Those 20.5 450 Factory Edition AER fork updates should come standard on the 2021 Husky/KTM off road models. For my FX350 I installed a set of WP Cone Valve spring forks. The WP CV forks are plush yet take big hits well and give a connected to the ground feel to the front tire. The stock rear shock is very good and responds well to clicker changes. I recently got a new WP XACT Pro Component rear shock for the FX350. While not as big of a difference as the CV forks the XACT Pro rear shock does offer a more friction free feel with more comfort on acceleration bumps and good G-out resistance. These special WP suspension components give the FX350 a plush and connected to the ground ride with great tire contact patch feel. The Magura brakes on the FX350 have a softer initial bite and require a little more lever force to generate Brembo level braking power. I run a slip on Akrapovic muffler which is quieter, lighter, and has a spark arrester. The stock Dunlop AT81 front tire has a compliant feel but traction is poor. I have a Hoosier MX25 up front now which is lighter and has excellent traction though durability is not as good as the Dunlop (in hard pack). The stock Pro Taper handlebars have a good bend and some flex too. The plastic subframe gives a slightly lower (about 15 mm) seat height along with a bit more flex/comfort. The seat cover on the FX350 is aggressive and grippy. Overall the FX350 is a versatile bike and one of the best combinations of power/weight/handling in off road motorcycles available today.